Five Tips for Small Businesses in Perth

At the end and beginning of each year most of us business owners get snowed under with newsletters, blogs, and articles all telling us the following:

• Top online media blunders of 2011, and
• The smartest and most successful online media campaigns

Then we receive a whole list of:

• Things small businesses should know, and
• Top trends for 2012

Some articles can get somewhat patronizing to small business owners. Most people are forecasting the top ten future digital trends you need to KNOW annually, numbering millions of blog posts! The track record is speculated to include 95% incorrect forcasts! It's obvious that forecasting a trend on the internet is a pretty dumb pastime! The reality is that:

• There are always surprises no one sees coming
• What you think will undoubtedly be big, won't be
• What you think won't work, spreads its wings and soars, and
• Any forecasts on online usage is so much more than expected or increases faster than the research forecasts.

So without further ado, lets create one of these "should know" lists!

1. Make money

You think 'well duh!' But seriously the number of small businesses and sole traders that invest their time and energy free of charge in an attempy to get business is unnerving. Don't forget, you rock! So don't hesitate to charge a fair price, don't be bartered down and please don't work for nothing thinking its cool to connect with 'that high profile' company. If it's not making you money, don't do it!

2. Focus on leads

Don't just rely on one or two clients; look after them for sure, but remember who's number ONE! Spread your work and always look out to acquire new clients, even if you're struggling with time. Otherwise when one project ends, you will be scrambling round trying to find a new project to replace it.

3. Online resources

The internet is still open last time we checked, use it!

• Tools - Google has tools from search to website analytics. Better yet they are free and easier to use. If you don't understand them, ask.
• Marketing - A website is a must have for any business. A website is open 24/7, and you don't have to pay it an hourly rate like you do with your staff.
• Social Media - Free marketing! Use Facebook, Twitter and Linked In at the very least, also blog, join forums and post comments and links on other websites.
• Research - The web = free research and free information on your competitors and can be a brilliant source for leads.
• Sales - Don't just use your website, but use eCommerce as well! Sell your products online using an online store, and on other websites also, like eBay.

4. Ask for help

If you need help, ask! You will get it. In general, people are generous with their advice and like being asked for help. There are smart people out there, some who you may know, or you may even decide to ask for anonymous advice on forum websites. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how kind many people can be.

5. Passion

If you don't like your business, don't trust what you do or don't believe in yourself, others won't either. There is a saying, "Smile and the world smiles with you. Cry and you cry alone." So you need to share your passion and enthusiasm in your business; its infectious and it will be the top sales tool you will ever have!